US Open: Robson vows to keep working hard after loss

EVE FODENS

Laura Robson conceded Li Na was too good for her this time as the British women’s No 1 exited the US Open in the third round.

Twelve months ago the teenager announced her arrival on the world stage with back-to-back wins over Kim Clijsters and Li to reach the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time.

But fifth seed Li was in very good form yesterday and, although Robson upped her level in the second set, it was not enough as the Chinese player won 6-2, 7-5. Robson said: “I thought she played really well. She didn’t give me too many chances in the rally, so I never felt I got a rhythm going with my groundstrokes.

“She was returning really deep. There wasn’t a lot I could do in some points. It was quite windy when we started the match, so on one side you would have to play more spin and, I wasn’t quite doing that very well.

“I’m not too far away. I think I’m going in the right direction. I feel like I’m improving and working on a more all-around game. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but I’m willing to do that.”

Andy Murray was in action late last night as he faced Leonardo Mayer of Argentina in the second round. Giantkilling Brit Dan Evans plays Tommy Robredo in the third round tonight.